Russell's bourbon is indeed made by Wild Turkey. The distillery, located in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, has been producing whiskey for over 60 years, and Jimmy Russell, the Master Distiller at Wild Turkey, has been at the helm for the majority of that time.
When it comes to bourbon, Wild Turkey is a household name, known for its rich history and dedication to quality. And at the heart of Wild Turkey's success is the expertise of Jimmy Russell and his son Eddie Russell, who now serves as co-Master Distiller alongside his father.
I had the pleasure of visiting the Wild Turkey Distillery a few years ago, and it was truly a memorable experience. As I walked through the facility, the air was filled with the sweet aroma of aging bourbon, and the sound of barrels being moved echoed throughout the warehouse.
One of the things that struck me during my visit was the passion and dedication that Jimmy Russell and his team have for their craft. They take great pride in every aspect of the whiskey-making process, from selecting the grains to bottling the final product. It was evident that they view their work as both an art and a science.
The process of making Russell's bourbon at Wild Turkey begins with the careful selection of grains, including corn, barley, and rye. These grains are milled and then cooked to create a mash, which is fermented using a carefully cultivated strain of yeast. The resulting liquid, known as “distiller's beer,” is then distilled in traditional copper stills to create a high-proof spirit.
But the journey doesn't end there. Russell's bourbon is aged in new, charred oak barrels, which impart flavors and aromas to the whiskey as it matures. The harsh Kentucky climate, with its hot summers and cold winters, plays a crucial role in the aging process, causing the whiskey to expand and contract within the barrels, allowing it to interact with the wood and develop its unique character.
During the aging process, the master distillers at Wild Turkey carefully monitor the whiskey, regularly tasting and evaluating it to ensure that it meets their high standards. Once the bourbon has reached its desired flavor profile, it is bottled and ready to be enjoyed by whiskey enthusiasts around the world.
Russell's bourbon is known for its robust flavor profile, characterized by notes of caramel, vanilla, and spice. It's a whiskey that can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a variety of cocktails. Whether you're a seasoned whiskey connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of bourbon, Russell's bourbon is sure to impress.
Russell's bourbon is indeed made by Wild Turkey, a distillery that has been producing exceptional whiskey for over six decades. The expertise and dedication of Jimmy and Eddie Russell, the longest-tenured Master Distillers in the world, shine through in every bottle of Russell's bourbon. So, the next time you're looking for a quality bourbon to savor, I highly recommend giving Russell's a try. You won't be disappointed.